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Celtic enter transfer battle with West Ham for star with 'excellent technical ability' as interest grows Hoops are monitoring ‘sought after’ Ligue 2 star Celtic and West Ham are reportedly battling it out for the signature of Stade de Reims midfielder Mory Gbane. The 27-year old, who is also on the radar of Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor, impressed in the French second tier last season after helping them reach the Coupe de France final in his debut campaign. Reports suggest the Ivorian is open to a Celtic move if an agreement can be reached between the two clubs. Hoops boss Martin O’Neill has finally completed his first signing since extending his Parkhead stay in the form of Qarabag striker Camilo Duran, who signed for around £6m on a five-year deal. As the club have now the ball rolling in terms of squad additions, several more are to be expected before the official start of the season. Celtic express interest in ‘technically gifted’ midfielder According to Foot Mercado: “The consistent performance has logically made him (Gbane) a highly sought-after player in the transfer market. According to our information, the 27-year-old midfielder's future could well lie abroad, as three major European clubs are ready to make a move: West Ham (EFL Championship), Celtic Glasgow (Scottish Premiership) and Trabzonspor (Super Lig). Faced with this growing interest, the Stade de Reims management is not opposed to the idea of a sale this summer if a substantial offer comes their way.” The same report describes Gbane as a ‘technically gifted’ midfielder, who at 6’ 2”, also provides a physical presence as well as an ability to create with the ball at his feet. Before Stade de Reims, he enjoyed spells at Russian side Khimki and Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit Gil Vicente. His exploits for his current team were recognised by Ivory Coast manager Emerse Fae, who rewarded him with two international caps. He made 49 appearances in all competitions last season for Stade de Reims. Celtic’s midfield state of play Hoops midfielder Arne Engels has been heavily linked with a move away from Celtic Park as Nottingham Forest remain the most likely suitor. The Reds tabled a rejected bid of £25m for the Belgian in January however are considering improving on this in the summer as they now have significantly superior financial resources after the £120m sale of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City. European clubs Roma, AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig among others remain interested in Engels. Also headed for the exit door is Japanese maestro Reo Hatate, who has handed in a transfer request, claiming he isn’t ‘satisfied’ at the club. The Hoops will however be holding onto veteran Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for another year after he penned a new deal. Also in the building currently is Callum McGregor, Paulo Bernardo, Luke McCowan and Benjamin Nygren. The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly